Foundations of the West

Humanity's quest for a north star–an orienting compass through time and space sets the stage for the Axis Mundi. Jordan B. Peterson and Ben Shapiro explore the very city that bridges the gap between God and man: Jerusalem. A visit to the Temple Mount reveals the sacred story and epicenter of religious controversy. Marvel at the Shrine of the Book where literacy and culture are passed down generationally. Witness the land where power led to corruption and discover the catalysts that led to rulers being held accountable in the City of David. Concluding at the newly discovered Pilgrimage Road, Jordan and Ben embrace the idea that the journey of life is to move from the lower to the higher—the ascension toward God.

From divine revelation in Jerusalem, we move on to explore how man grapples with sacred truth. Dr. Peterson, joined by Spencer Klavan, journeys to Athens to behold the pinnacle of civic achievement. At the Parthenon, trace the origins of free speech and free association. As concerns about our democracy's fragility grow, understand its birth at the Pnyx. Finally, at the ancient Theater of Dionysus, delve into the interconnections between tragedy, criticism, drama, and philosophy. Experience these profound concepts in some of the world's most beautiful and historically significant locations.

Jonathan Pageau joins Jordan in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus spent his last night before being arrested. Then, Jonathan and Jordan walk down the Via Dolorosa, the road on which Jesus walked to his crucifixion. While visiting these sites, the two discuss Jesus’ journey to willing sacrifice and why remembering these places help hold the West together.

Bishop Robert Barron leads Dr. Jordan B. Peterson through ancient Rome's complex city and theology. The journey begins at Santa Maria in Trastevere, the birthplace of the modern church. Witness the church’s persecution unfold at the site of the Colosseum and delve deep underground into the chilling historical significance of the Catacombs. Thus, the emergence of Western Civilization is finally upon us, culminating at St. Peter's cathedral - the very bedrock of Roman society. Discover the seat of great power and the order through which life as we know it has been formed.

All five hosts return together in this final episode, focusing on the necessity of a unifying vision for the future. Shapiro, Klavan, Pageau, Bishop Barron and Dr. Peterson discuss the war on the West, the direct impact of postmodernism on our present day, and why understanding our past and where we came from is necessary to our survival. Together they trace the golden thread that has spanned across history, reawakening the ideals that might just save the West.